I refer to the letter published in The Malta Independent on 17 August, by Marsascala councillor Dr J Muscat, who said that he would like that Marina Street, Gardiel Street and part of Salini Street to be closed on weekdays, thus allowing the bars and restaurants to lay out their tables along the whole street.

Up to what part of Salini Street, would Mr Muscat like to close for traffic? Probably up to the Fanal Restaurant, so businesses further up of Fanal Restaurant will only be used as a parking lot. When past activities were held, which required Salini Street further up the Fanal Restaurant to be closed for traffic, our business suffered a lot. When Dr Muscat said that there are about 58 bars and restaurants along Marsascala bay, which are directly affected by what happens along the promenade, did he include the bars and restaurants further up from the Fanal Restaurant? Parts of Salini Street are in the total darkness and to add insult to injury the coloured festoon lighting which was damaged by a contractor whom I reported to the police was never repaired. Why is it that no one seems to care for our businesses in Salini Street? We pay the same business taxes and permits as the other restaurants in Marina Street and Gardiel Street, in the situation like Dr Muscat is proposing, businesses in Salini Street are going to operate at a big disadvantage if we are not as well allowed to put tables in the street.

Edward Cassar

Marsascala